Just because you are not in a car or on a road. It is never a good idea to drive under the influence. This goes for boating too. It is equally as dangerous. You are putting yourself and others at risk. Boat and Motor Superstores are here to inform boaters of the dangers of boating under the influence (BUI). Take our boat trader advice, don’t do it, Palm Harbor 

It’s Called A BUI

All states have laws against BUI,  which make it a crime to operate a boat or personal watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. And just like DUI or DWI offenses committed on dry land, the legal consequences of BUI can include steep fines, boating license penalties, and prison time for injuries or deaths caused by BUI accidents.

It is not worth it. Being charged with BUI can put your legal freedom at stake, and have serious financial consequences. You could have a criminal record, face jail time, incur heavy monetary fines, and face increased boater and auto insurance rates. Trust our boat trader. The BUI is not worth it.

Boating Under the Influence is Never an Answer

Did you know that The U.S. Guard reported that BUI incidents increase boating fatalities by approximately 34 percent? This figure is very alarming. A rise in alcohol and drug-related boating injuries and deaths prompted state legislatures to enact BUI laws. Over half of all boating accidents involve alcohol or drugs, and alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Federal and state authorities can pull the operator of a boat or other watercraft over, just like on the highway or street if you are suspected of a DUI. Different factors can affect a boat operator’s physical and mental abilities while on the water. These include heat, sun, noise, wind, glare, and the motion of a boat on the water for an extended period of time. These factors are often referred to as ‘boater’s fatigue.’ If alcohol and drugs are also involved, one’s ability to safely operate a vessel on the water can be severely affected.

Law enforcement officials may also set up BUI checkpoints on the water, just like roadside DUI checkpoints, to question and check boat operators for Boating Under the Influence (‘BUI’). Some states do not even require ‘probable cause’ before law enforcement officials can board your boat. In Delaware, they can just do it.

Call Us Today

We want you safe out there in the water. A BUI is never worth it. Do not ever go boating under the influence. Boat and Motor Superstores takes pride in being the best boat. We understand the boating lifestyle and how important it is to have a reliable and great looking boat to take out on the water. We offer many boating services, and we even have dockside assistance, so you do not have to bring your boat into our boat trader in Palm Harbor. Call or contact us today for more information.